Friday, December 30, 2016

PA American Water: 10 Simple Steps To Protect Your Watershed

We all live in a watershed. Watersheds are areas of land where runoff from rain and snow drains into a lake, stream, river or wetland. Water constantly travels over the land’s surfaces that include farmland, lawns and city streets, on its course to a waterway.

When it rains, water runs over the surface picking up any pollutants that are on the way. Small amounts of motor oil, pet waste, pesticides or litter are multiplied along the journey to the nearest waterway.

These watersheds are full of life. They provide habitat for fish, birds and wildlife. They are also a source of drinking water for homes and businesses. No matter where you live, work or play, you are always in a watershed.

What we all do to the land makes a difference in the quality of water in our rivers and streams. Because of this, and because our work brings us into daily contact with local water resources and watersheds, we spend a lot of our time and efforts protecting our water resources.

Locally, we work every day to help protect our natural resources.

The right decisions can help protect these important water resources. Here are a few ways you can help preserve the source of our drinking water and our wildlife habitat--

1. Plan the landscaping around your home or business with more permeable surfaces that allow water to soak into the ground. Try to limit concrete and asphalt, as they contribute to increased levels of stormwater runoff. Help prevent soil erosion by preserving existing trees and planting new trees and shrubs.

2. Use native plants that require minimal fertilizer, herbicides and watering. Do not over-apply chemicals and avoid application immediately before it rains.

3. Keep litter, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains. Pet waste contains bacteria that can find its way into waterways through runoff.

4. Select non-toxic or less toxic alternatives to typical household products, such as cleaning agents.

5. Use pharmaceutical disposal programs offered by local police departments or other agencies that can help you dispose of unneeded medicines safely.

6. Find an opportunity for a rain garden. Rain gardens use native plants and grasses to capture and absorb rainwater from rooftops and roads. These planned gardens help simplify lawn maintenance, control erosion and reduce runoff into streams and stormwater systems.

8. Get involved in community activities to clean up waterways and monitor water quality.

9. Use hazardous waste collection sites and services for disposal of household wastes such as chemicals, paints, motor oil and batteries. Be sure to check the list of approved items accepted by the collection agency.

10. At work, consider membership in EPA’s Wastewise Program – a free, voluntary program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.

For more information on water use, protection and education, visit PA American Water’s Water Information webpage.

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About Me

This Blog is a companion to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com, the weekly online newsletter published by Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA.
I can be contacted at 717-576-0420 or by sending email to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
I served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2001 to 2003, Executive Deputy at DEP from 1995 to 2001, as staff to the PA Senate Environmental Committee and various positions in the former Department of Environmental Resources, working on environmental issues for over 40 years.